Vernon Parish Man Arrested For Over Limit Of Deer

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested a Pitkin man on Nov. 13 for alleged wildlife violations on the Kisatchie National Forest (KNF) in Vernon Parish.

Agents arrested Joseph K. Baggett, 45, for three counts of taking illegal deer during open season, three counts of possession of an illegally taken deer during open season, three counts of taking over limit of deer, failing to wear a hunter's orange cap and intentional littering. Baggett was booked into the Vernon Parish Jail.

LDWF Enforcement Division Senior Agent Russell Brack began investigating Baggett after receiving a complaint from a concerned citizen on the morning of Nov. 12.

Brack made contact with Baggett and found that he had a six-point buck in his possession. Brack also found that Baggett did not have a hunter’s orange cap in addition to his vest as required on public lands. Baggett denied shooting at any antlerless deer at this time and he was cited and released for failing to wear a hunter's orange cap.

After further investigation, Brack and other LDWF agents were able to locate three dead doe deer located close to a deer stand that contained belongings with Baggett’s name. Agents also found litter under the deer stand. Agents again questioned Baggett on Nov. 13 about the three doe deer. Baggett then admitted to agents to shooting several times at antlerless deer. Agents seized a .243 Browning rifle for evidence.

Each count of taking an illegal deer during open season results in a fine between $500 and $750 and 15 to 30 days of jail. Each count of possession of an illegally taken deer during open season brings a fine between $400 and $950 and up to 120 days in jail. Each count of taking over limit of deer carries a fine between $250 and $500 and up to 90 days in jail. Failing two wear the required hunter's orange cap brings a fine of $100 to $350 and up to 60 days in jail. Intentional littering carries a fine of $250 and eight hours of community service in a litter abatement program.

Baggett is also responsible for paying civil restitution in the amount of $4,873.83 to LDWF for the illegally killed deer.